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North Korean Smuggling

In the fall of 1976, North Korean diplomats were expelled from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden for smuggling alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

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October 18, 1976

Letter from Norwegian Police Security Service to Foreign Ministry, 'The North Korean Embassy - Illegal Import and Distribution of Spirits, Cigarettes, etc.'

Surveillance of the North Korean Embassy in Oslo discovered it was the source of illegal import and distribution of spirits and cigarettes, and the illegal activities were directed by the North Korean Foreign Ministry.

October 21, 1976

Telegram from the Embassy in Beijing, 'Smuggling at North Korean Embassy in Oslo'

The North Korean Ambassador in Beijing protests that North Korean embassy personnel in Oslo were expelled without consultation of the North Korean government.

October 21, 1976

Dispatch from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy in Beijing, 'North Korea's Embassy in Oslo'

Norway will not reverse its decision to expel the current North Korean embassy staff. Visas have been received and approved for new staff.

October 28, 1976

Telegram from Norwegian Embassy in Pyongyang, 'Expulsion of North Korean Diplomats'

A notification for a letter received from the DPRK Embassy in Oslo.

October 21, 1976

Memorandum from Oy Alko Ab to Detective Inspector Veijalainen

A police report on the quantities of alcohol and cigarettes smuggled into Finland by North Korean diplomats.
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Exterior of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

North Korea, the Smuggler State

In the fall of 1976, North Korean diplomats were expelled from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden for smuggling alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

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